defense

Five Dartmouth players are shown standing, cheering and clapping on the bench.

Behind the scenes of a rebuild: How Linda Cimino got Dartmouth to believe

By Jenn Hatfield / December 27, 2023

Players’ shock at winning early in the season has turned into expecting to win

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes extends her right arm to steal a lateral pass from a Connecticut Sun player.

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes is chasing 100 steals — and WNBA history

By Jenn Hatfield / September 2, 2023

Sykes, the two-time reigning steals champion, has been even more dangerous defensively this season

Washington Mystics players put their hands together in a huddle. Point guard Natasha Cloud addresses the group.

What’s been going wrong with the Washington Mystics’ defense?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 23, 2023

Once the best defensive team in the WNBA, the Mystics have gotten away from that identity since Shakira Austin’s injury

Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas sits on the bench alertly, with her hands clasped in front of her.

Two Ups and a Down: Alyssa Thomas MVP edition

By Lucas Seehafer / May 27, 2023

Plus, an icon’s defense and the rise of Jackie Young

Washington Mystics players and staff stand in a loose circle at halfcourt and talk at the end of a practice.

2023 WNBA season preview: Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 15, 2023

‘Underdog’ Mystics could challenge WNBA’s superteams with elite defense, improved offense

Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith shoots a left-handed layup as Mississippi defenders fail to contest.

Lost and found: Louisville finds identity, Mississippi struggles with it in Sweet 16

By Kiri Oler / March 25, 2023

Mississippi’s dominant defense faltered against a Louisville team clicking at the right time

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray dribbles the ball as Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins defends.

What will it take for the Las Vegas Aces to win their first WNBA championship?

By Matthew Walter / September 10, 2022

Connecticut is all that stands between the Aces and a championship. What will it take for Las Vegas to defeat the Sun?

Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud high-fives her teammates as she is introduced in the starting lineup before a game against the Seattle Storm at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 30, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

‘Warrior’ Natasha Cloud can’t save Washington Mystics from painful playoff exit

By Jenn Hatfield / August 23, 2022

‘They were just a little bit better all the way around’

Washington Mystics players Natasha Cloud (far left), Alysha Clark (22), Elena Delle Donne (11) and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (32) confer during a game against the Minnesota Lynx at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 17, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Are the Washington Mystics ready for the playoffs?

By Jenn Hatfield / July 29, 2022

Currently tied for fourth, the Mystics have a big opportunity this week to improve their playoff seed — and answer some lingering questions

The New York Liberty make sure center Stefanie Dolson is all right after a hard fall during a game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on July 21, 2022. (Photo credit: Domenic Allegra)

Can the New York Liberty move on from their Camp Day blues?

By Jackie Powell / July 23, 2022

The Liberty have lost five games in a row, including three straight Camp Day games